SASKATOON – Members of the Canaryseed Development Commission of Saskatchewan (CDCS) celebrated a long-awaited announcement Monday that recognized canary seed as safe for human consumption. The grain is most commonly known as feed for birds.

Canary seed received “novel food approval” from Health Canada, essentially designating it as a food that can be commercially sold for humans to eat.

“I think it’s a really important moment for the canary seed growers,” said David Nobbs, chair of the CDCS.